Communal film watching is back on in London this summer, after a long wait. Cinemas will open their doors again from 17 May, but watching films outdoors is a staple of any London summer. It was especially welcome last year, and is back once more in 2021. From drive-in movies, to films with a view, to mini festivals—here’s our round up of the top outdoor cinema events in London.
Drive In Film Club (Alexandra Palace and Brent Cross)
For most Londoners, the concept of drive-in movies was something that happened far away in America—until 2020 that is. But with cinemas shut for much of last year, it reached UK shores (or rather carparks) too. The people behind Rooftop Film Club are back for more drive-in film action this summer. You can park up at either Alexandra Palace or Brent Cross to catch a varied programme throughout May, from big blockbusters like Black Panther and Crazy Rich Asians to cult classics like Dazed and Confused and Labyrinth, and more recent releases like Saint Maud.
- Dates: Until 30 May 2021
- Cost: £29 per car (no trucks, vans, or mini buses)
- Website: Rooftop Film Club
- Where: Alexandra Palace and Brent Cross
Drive & Dine Cinema, Brentford
Another drive-in movie event that was popular in 2020 pulls up to west London again this summer. Drive & Dine is part of Alfresco Theatre at the beautiful Syon Park, with a line-up that also includes live comedy and food courtesy of top chefs including Tom Kerridge, Rick Stein and Atul Kochar. The cinema line-up is mostly feel good and mainstream movies like Bohemian Rhapsody, Dirty Dancing, and Ferris Bueller’s Day Off.
- Dates: 9 to 13 June 2021
- Cost: £18.90
- Website: Alfresco Theatre
- Where: Syon Park
Rooftop Film Club (Peckham and Stratford)
You don’t have to be a driver to enjoy outdoor cinema this summer. May marks the return of the ever-popular Rooftop Film Club at Bussey Building Peckham and Rooftop East. But be quick about it, some screenings are already sold out! Grab a deckchair for city views, sunsets, food and drink—and an eclectic programme of films including Sound of Metal, Bridesmaids, Pulp Fiction, Casablanca, and American Psycho.
- Dates: 18 May to 28 June 2021
- Cost: £15.95
- Website: Rooftop Film Club
- Where: Bussey Building (Peckham) and Roof East (Stratford)
Adventure Cinema (Osterley and Streatham)
The UK-wide outdoor cinema organisers are back in London this June and July for more films in leafy locations.
In June, head to Streatham Common for a mix of afternoon, family-friendly films like The Greatest Showman Sing-Along, The Lion King, and Harry Potter and The Philosopher’s Stone, as well as evening screenings of Grease and Pretty Woman.
The Osterley line-up in July is two weekends of musical sing-alongs of Grease or The Greatest Showman, if that’s your jam.
Bring your own blankets, camping chairs, cushions and snacks.
Dates: 11 to 13 June 2021 at Streatham Common | 2 to 4 July 2021 at Osterley Park and House
Cost: £14.50
Website: Adventure Cinema
Where: Streatham Common and Osterley Park and House
Film & Food Fest, Finsbury Park
This summer, the people behind Adventure Cinema are launching a Film & Food Fest with four days of outdoor film screenings, street food, live comedy and music to Finsbury Park. It’s a great option for low-key festival vibes and pretty decent value to boot. The programme includes film and live comedy double bills including Grease, Queen & Slim, and The Shawshank Redemption as well as shorts from regional filmmakers. Food comes courtesy of Street Food Warehouse vendors.
- Dates: 22 to 25 July 2021
- Cost: £18.50
- Website: Film & Food Fest
- Where: Finsbury Park
